Report: Hot tub displays likely caused Legionnaires’ cases

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina health officials say hot tub displays inside a building at a fair are likely to blame for an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease last month.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said on its webpage Thursday that early findings show that people diagnosed with the disease likely visited the Davis Event Center at the Mountain State Fair last month and walked by the hot tub displays.

According to the department, early results from laboratory testing of environmental samples identified Legionella bacteria in one water sample taken from the event center. Results are still pending from other samples taken in the investigation.

The department says 124 cases of Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever had been reported as of Wednesday.

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LEGIONNAIRE'S STATEMENT
Date: Oct 03 - Oct 31, 2019
Location(s): 
Davis Event Center

"Based on the latest reports and in consultation with State Public Health Officials, we have voluntarily decided to suspend rental of the Davis Event Center while it undergoes an aggressive and comprehensive mitigation plan. This is being done out of an abundance of caution and to reassure event attendees, fairgoers and Ag Center employees that the center is safe for occupancy."

"In collaboration with public health, we have taken steps to minimize water aerosolization opportunities on the grounds, as this is considered the means by which the Legionella bacteria is contracted. While we all feel confident that the facility is safe, we want to take these proactive mitigation measures to reassure the public and our employees. Because of the seriousness of Legionnaire's Disease, we would rather err on the side of being overly proactive."

"Throughout the investigation, we have followed every recommendation of State Public Health officials and we continue to work hand-in-hand with them as they continue their investigation and try to determine the source of this outbreak and prevent future outbreaks. "

https://www.wncagcenter.org/events/2019/legionnaires-statement